'72 running poorly after removing smog.

[Aphex]

Hoping someone can help me...

Last week I pulled my air filter and most of the hoses attached to it to put on Ram-Flo air filters. I plugged all of the open air galleys, disconnected the smog pump belt and it's hoses (left the pump bolted in) and it ran great. In fact, it ran better, smoother, and faster than it ever had. No popping or spitting. So, today I unbolted the smog pump, disconnected the remaining hoses, backfire valve and the hoses attached to it (which in theory, were already detached). I plugged the remaining air galleys and fired it up with excitement, only to have it cough spit, and run like crap. I have a feeling that it's just the air/fuel mixture and timing. The SU closest to the driver leaks gas when it is shut down. Sync problem? Air/fuel? Open galley somewhere? Timing? I can't figure it out, and I really need to get it running. Please help. Thanks much.

[Phacade]

You might try adjusting your mixture, Also, there are some tubes pointing straight up on the SU's right next to the gas hose inlet. These are breathers and if are plugged will make gas run out the front; did on mine until I adjusted it. Make sure you didnt leave any open spots on your balance tube, seal it well. You might experiment with bits of emission and see if putting them back will fix it. Do you have your cat still on the exhaust? Cut it out!

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"Go into emptiness, strike voids, bypass his defences; hit him where he does not expect you" -Lao Tzu

[Aphex]

Thanks for the reply...I actually have the breathers next to the gas hose inlet completely plugged. I will take the plugs out, but how do you adjust them if they are open? I'm pretty sure that I sealed all of the other openings, and I don't have a cat at all. My car is a '72, so I don't think I'll ever have to run it through smog. I really don't want to put any of that smog junk back on, so I'm hoping to solve this issue with air/fuel mixture and/or timing. The air/fuel is a small phillips head screw located under the carb, correct? Thanks again for your help...

[Aphex]

Timberwolf...

I GOT IT!!! I unplugged those breather inlet's on the SU's and fed the hoses back into my Ram-Flo filters to increase the mixture and it runs SWEET! It has officially gone from 'quick' to 'fast'. I can't believe how incredible it's running. These cars were so far ahead of their time. I LOVE IT. Thanks again man, I truly appreciate your help. Z you later.

[Phacade]

Awesome, glad to hear it man. I just ordered some Ram-flows for my car as well. Hopefully I will have my beast running well soon, but mine is far more complicated than you average bear. I have a completely (did I mention hand built) rebuilt L28 from a '81 280ZX with the mating 5-speed in my ;73 with the '70 Su carbs, '81 electronic distributor; etc. It will get there eventually, but I have ALOT of bugs to work out first.

Yes, the air/fuel mixture is under the carbs, it is a round wheel -w- knotchs on it. Looking down at it (although you can't see it overheard), counterclockwise should be more air, clockwise more gas. But don't take my word for it, Blow $15 bucks and buy Scott's video from Z therapy. You will thank yourself. I got his video when I bought my carbs from him. Gee, that wasn't a shamless plug at all...

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"Go into emptiness, strike voids, bypass his defences; hit him where he does not expect you" -Lao Tzu

[Aphex]

A hand built L28, huh? Wow...sounds really sweet, albeit a little tricky to get straight. I assume you built it? If only I had the tools, and the space, I know I could tear my car apart and put it together again. These cars are really fun to work on. My Dad has a really sweet '73, with an r200 posi rear end, a 5spd, electronic ignition, and a pretty steep grind on the cam. He had Weber's on it, but he switched back to the Su's for mileage (don't ask me why, It's not like that car is a daily driver). Think you'll leave the SU's? Mine has 95,000 original documented miles, so I'm trying to leave it somewhat stock. The only mods I've made are an MSD coil, 2+1/4 exhaust with Turbo Muffler (no resonator or cat) and the ram-flo's. Just that alone made a huge difference. Oh, and I pulled the factory A/C. All of which I saved in case it should go back to factory someday...

Shameless plug or not, it worked. That's a good idea. I've heard of Z therapy. Would you mind giving me their contact info? Two more things...You can see pictures of my ride at www.zdriver.com, under the photoalbum section 70-78. It's the one under the name Noah (that's me). Also, feel free to email me at this address:

ngilbert@eentertainment.com

Take Care, and keep me posted on the progress of your beasty...

[Frank's Red 240]

Hey guys, I just bought some RamFlo air cleaners for my early '71. I have only one connection in question: With the early type evaporative emmissions control (the fuel system, not smog stuff), a line runs from the stock air cleaner housing to the FLOW GUIDE VALVE. According to Haynes, this valve serves to let air into the fuel tank to prevent vacuum as fuel exits the tank. The question: can I leave that valve "in the breeze?" subsequently, would it benefit from some sort of filter? while I'm asking questions, does anyone have an opinion on whether the valve cover breather needs a filter? Thanks!

[PetesPonies]

I would put a filter on both. As long as air can be drawn through the filter, there is no problem. If dirt is brought in, there can be problems.